13 minute read
City News
Construction Set to Begin on a New Fry’s Marketplace and Fuel Center in Norterra
NORTERRA AREA RESIDENTS WILL HAVE MORE GROCERY SHOPPING AND FUEL OPTIONS SOON AS CONSTRUCTION IS SET TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER ON A NEW FRY’S MARKETPLACE AND FRY’S FUEL CENTER.
The new grocery store and fuel center will be located at the nearly 12-acre site at the southwest corner of Jomax Road and Norterra Parkway. Fry’s spokesperson Pam Giannonatti shares that construction is set to begin in June and that the grocery store and fuel center will be an estimated 109,000 square feet. She could not confirm when the project would be complete.
Per Maricopa County records, the grocery store chain closed the deal on the $3.1 million parcel of land this past spring.
Red Development is developing the site and their spokesperson confirms that it will also include, “four pads with drive-through capability for restaurants and other businesses.”
Spokespeople for both Fry’s and Red Development did not have any more details on the project at this time but promised to share updates with locals as more information becomes available.
Community Centers Re-Open with COVID-19 Safety Measures
THE PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY APPROVED A PLAN FOR THE TIERED REOPENING OF COMMUNITY CENTERS, TO RESUME THE PROCESS FOR SPECIAL PARK PERMITS AND SPECIAL ACTIVITY REQUESTS FOR PRIVATE EVENTS OF MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE HELD ON PARK PROPERTY, AND TO RESUME RENTALS OF SELECT POOLS BY HIGH SCHOOL SWIM AND DIVE TEAMS.
TIERED REOPENING OF COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS
The city’s community and recreation centers have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, and the following nearby facilities will reopen effective June 7 for annual summer youth camps and limited indoor recreation classes by registration only. Drop-in use of these facilities will not be available. • Deer Valley Community Center, 2001
W. Wahalla Lane • Goelet A.C. Beuf Community Center, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road
Those facilities will be operated with the following COVID-19 protocols and safety amenities in place.
• Open at 50 percent capacity. • A mask or face covering will be required per the city’s mandate. • A COVID-19 screening survey will be required upon arrival at a facility. • Temperature checks will be administered upon arrival at a facility. • Public facing reception areas will provide contactless customer service (plexiglass barriers have been installed at all service desks). • Positioning of facility furniture and installation of signage to encourage physical distancing. • Hand sanitizer stations and touchless light switches have been installed at all facilities. • Fresh air intake volume has been increased at all facilities. • Janitorial staff will clean high-touch surfaces and restrooms daily. In-person summer youth camps for ages 6 to 12 will be offered at those locations starting the week of June 7. Summer youth camps will be operated at 50 percent capacity and participants will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Additionally, as part of COVID-19 protocol, lunch will be held outdoors. Misting or cooling towers will be used in the outdoor eating areas, and an indoor contingency plan will be used on days when there is inclement weather, or the forecast includes a heat advisory. Camp participants will be provided a pre-packaged lunch or can bring their own lunch daily.
City staff continues to work with public health professionals to monitor the Arizona Department of Health Services Community Transmission indicators.
PERMIT PROCESS FOR PRIVATE EVENTS HELD ON CITY PARK PROPERTY
Effective now, the process will resume for community members to apply for a special activity request to hold a private event in a city park with more than 50 people, such as a birthday party or family gathering. That includes resuming the process to apply for a beer permit, or for use of an inflatable bounce house or amplified sound on park property.
Requests for a special event on park property that is open to the public still must be submitted for review by the City Manager’s Special Event Committee. Examples of these events include festivals, food truck events, craft fairs, etc.
RENTALS OF CITY POOLS BY HIGH SCHOOL SWIM AND DIVE TEAMS
Select city pools will be available for rental use by high school swim and dive teams for the 2021 fall season. All teams will be required to follow city and Arizona Interscholastic Association COVID-19 safety guidelines.
City News
Deadline Extended for Arizona Travel ID
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY JUST ANNOUNCED THAT IT WAS EXTENDING THE REAL ID FULL ENFORCEMENT DATE FROM OCT. 1, 2021, TO
MAY 3, 2023. The Arizona Travel ID is the REAL IDcompliant credential issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.
The Arizona Travel ID is a driver license or ID card, as well as a federally-compliant credential, that can be used for gaining clearance at federal TSA airport checkpoints and other restricted federally secured facilities.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ARIZONANS?
Beginning May 3, 2023, the federal REAL ID Act will require anyone passing through TSA checkpoints at airports for domestic flights to use a credential, such as the Arizona Travel ID or a passport, that requires more documentation than a standard driver license.
ARE TRAVEL IDS STILL AVAILABLE?
Yes. To get your Travel ID, set up an appointment at AZMVDNow.gov. Travel ID applicants must show proof of their identity, proof of Arizona residency and provide their Social Security Number. For a full list of credentials and documents that meet these requirements, visit azdot.gov/TravelID.
HOW IS THE TRAVEL ID DIFFERENT?
Arizona is one of 37 states offering residents a choice in their driver license credential: the federally-compliant Travel ID or the non-Travel ID Arizona driver license, which is not federally-compliant and will not allow an individual to pass through TSA after May 3, 2023. Arizona law requires that MVD provide customers with this choice.
For more information about Travel ID, visit azdot.gov/ TravelID.
City Council Creates New Office of Accountability and Transparency
THE PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY APPROVED AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE NEW OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABIL-
ITY AND TRANSPARENCY (OAT). The OAT will have the ability to conduct independent investigations into the conduct of the city’s police department.
The council first approved the establishment of OAT in February 2020. The recent vote approves the governing language outlining the duties of the office. Council members previously approved funding for the new office.
The role of OAT includes monitoring or investigating members of the Phoenix Police Department. The new office may also provide recommendations for training, policy, and disciplinary actions.
According to the approved language, the role of the OAT is to ensure complaints against officers are handled fairly and objectively, including a thorough and fair investigation.
“The testimonies we heard from families impacted by police violence is exactly why we need this office,” says Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia. “I am grateful for the community members who have long advocated for this change at the city. I am also thankful to the Mayor and Councilwomen Ansari, Guardado and Pastor for voting for this. The work continues and I hope you will continue to engage our office and the city in the implementation of this office.”
The next step in establishing the OAT will be to hire a director. OAT staff cannot have been in law enforcement previously or be the family member of law enforcement. There will be community involvement in the hiring process.
Once hired, the OAT director and staff members will monitor or investigate use of force, in-custody deaths, and other community complaints, and then make recommendations on whether the investigation was sufficient, along with any suggested discipline or needed policy changes.
Regular reports from the office will be available publicly as part of the city’s transparency efforts designed to educate and inform the community.
City News
Maricopa County Fire Ban Now In Effect; Campfires Banned at Lake Pleasant Regional Park
THE MARICOPA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECENTLY INITIATED ITS ANNUAL FIRE BAN.
“This season, the department is aligning its annual fire ban with the burn activity regulations enforced by the county’s Air Quality Department. Under these regulations, the use of outdoor recreational fires is prohibited until September 30 within the boundaries of Area A, which includes all of our regional parks,” says R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director.
With 86% of the state experiencing extreme drought conditions, the vegetation in the parks is extremely dry and ideal for wildfire ignition. As temperatures continue to rise, fuel levels such as dried grasses, brush, and fallen leaves will continue to increase. The implementation of a fire ban is initiated to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause serious damage to park resources and park visitor safety.
It is also important to note that during this time of year, the National Weather Service often issues red flag warnings across central Arizona to alert land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition. Should this occur before the fire ban goes into effect, park supervisors have been authorized to issue temporary fire bans to ensure public safety and protect the park’s resources.
When temporary fire bans are issued, the information will be posted on the website, and park visitors will be notified as they enter the park. The parks will also stop selling firewood during this time. The fire ban includes the use of campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills; however, it is still acceptable to use gas/ propane grills in designated areas such as the semideveloped and developed camping sites. Campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park are prohibited. Those who violate the fire ban may be fined.
Smoking in the parks is still permissible, however it is discouraged due to the extremely dry conditions. If you must smoke, please be responsible and ensure that all cigarettes are properly extinguished and placed in trash receptacles.
While September 30 has been identified as the fire ban lift date, there is a possibility the fire ban could be extended. Park staff will monitor precipitation levels and vegetation conditions in the parks throughout the summer to determine if an extension is necessary.
Contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at 602-506-2930 or visit maricopacountyparks.net/ for additional information.
Local Golfers Rejoice: PopStroke to Build Two New Valley Locations
POPSTROKE ENTERTAINMENT, COOWNED BY TIGER WOODS AND GREG BARTOLI, RECENTLY ANNOUNCED TWO NEW VALLEY PROPERTY AGREEMENTS.
Agreements have been signed with seven properties across three states, including the Pavilions at Talking Stick in Scottsdale and Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale.
“These are dynamic, high-growth markets supported by excellent ownership groups,” says Greg Bartoli. “We are very excited to expand our unique golf entertainment experience across the United States, particularly in markets supported by surging population growth and great climates.”
“Over the next 12 to 18 months, you will see PopStroke locations opening up across the South and Southwest,” Bartoli adds. “The feedback from our guests has been extraordinary, with great reviews about the golf experience, our technology, and our elevated food and drink offerings. We look forward to introducing the PopStroke brand to these exciting new markets.” Tiger Woods and TGR Design, his award-winning design team, will build two unique 18-hole putting courses for each property. These are synthetic turfs, incorporating fairways, bunkers, and rough as seen on traditional golf courses.
“I am very excited about our expansion plans,” says Tiger Woods. “Putting is a universal part of golf that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It has been rewarding to see the broad and diverse group of guests enjoying their experience at PopStroke, and I look forward to seeing players make those long putts in locations throughout the South and Southwest. Each new location will have a different course design and layout giving players unique putting challenges as they travel across the country.”
Founded in 2018, PopStroke is a technology-infused golf-entertainment concept featuring Tiger Woods and his TGR Design team’s 36-hole putting facility, coupled with an outdoor dining area with a full menu, expansive variety of craft beer, wine, signature cocktails, ice cream, outdoor games, and a playground. PopStroke’s customized mobile app allows customers to order drinks and food to be delivered directly to them anywhere on the course, showcase their scores on a digital scoreboard, and save with the PopBucks loyalty rewards program. To learn more, visit popstroke. com.
City News
Code:Red Heat Relief Effort In Need of Community Support This Summer
PHOENIX RESCUE MISSION IS LAUNCHING ITS 9TH ANNUAL CODE:RED SUMMER HEAT RELIEF CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE THE VALLEY’S HOMELESS POPULATION AND AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS AHEAD.
Through August 31, the large-scale heat relief initiative and water drive is raising the level of need for this year’s campaign, due to the continuing risks of COVID-19. In addition to water and other heat relief items, the Mission is asking the public to help support the campaign with monetary donations and non-perishable food drives. Monetary donations, which will be essential to meet the increased need during the difficult months ahead, will be matched up to $150,000 – made possible by a grant from several friends of the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
The Mission also launched a system for individuals and companies to easily set up digital fundraising drives to make socially distanced collections even simpler.
“As we approach the 10th anniversary of Code:Red, the need for public support could never be higher,” Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Ken Brissa says. “In addition to battling triple-digit temperatures, the number of homeless men and women in our community has continued to climb while the pandemic limits access to many resources and services.”
Several municipalities have joined the effort and will work with the Mission’s Street Outreach staff as they comb Valley streets in a small fleet of Hope Coach vehicles providing water, toiletries, and case management services to those in need. The Mission’s outreach teams will be following the CDC’s COVID-19 safety protocols while providing personalized care that removes the barriers that keep people stuck in a cycle of homelessness.
“Anyone can help us save lives this summer, no matter if you’re an individual who wants to make a small donation online, a small business owner who’d like to start a food or water drive, or if you just want to drop off a case of water,” Brissa says. “It’s important to note that we’re not just handing out water and making people feel better. We’re building relationships with those in need and helping to remove the barriers to get them off the streets for good.”
More information about the Code:Red initiative can be found at phoenixrescuemission.org/codered. For more information on what to donate or to start a Code:Red drive, contact Catie Hammann at gikhelp@phxmission.org or 602-346-3347.
THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN DRIVER EDUCATION IS NOW OPEN IN THE NORTHWEST VALLEY!
DrivingMBA has been in Scottsdale for over 15 years. One thing we learned early on is that standard driver training isn’t enough. At DrivingMBA, our mission is to save lives. We believe in the power of education. We provide students training and tools based on research and science to help them become competent, responsible, and safe drivers. Our unique approach combines simulation with on-road lessons and on-line classes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
GRAND OPENING SPECIAL OUR PROGRAM HELPS NEW DRIVERS DEVELOP:
10% off any full package*
*Offer is valid on Drive Certification, Driving Fundamentals or Defensive Driving Full Packages with 10 hours of on-road lessons. Call us 480.948.1648 and mention code WESTDV10 to register and receive your discount. Expires July 15, 2021. •Safe driving habits •Better decision-making skills •A better understanding of personal and vehicle limitations
